Unleashing Sustainable Power with EcoFlow Delta Pro and Solar Energy!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Whole Home Backup System
- The Components of the Backup System
3.1. Ecoflow Delta Pro Units
3.2. Dual Voltage Hub
3.3. 30 Amp Generator Inlet
3.4. Interlock Kit
3.5. Service Panel
- Power Capacity and Usage
- Solar Charge Input Capability
- Testing the Solar Panels
- Power Output Readings
- Expanding the Solar Panel Setup
- Selecting the Right Hardware for Maximum Solar Input Capability
- Close-to-Multi-Day Whole House Backup System
- Additional Solar Projects
- Getting Help with Solar Installation
- Understanding Net Metering
- Conclusion
The Whole Home Backup System
In today's article, we will be discussing the whole home backup system designed by Scott at Everyday Solar. Scott has created a backup system consisting of two Ecoflow Delta Pro units connected to a dual voltage Hub. This comprehensive system allows him to power his entire home during a backup power situation, such as a storm-induced power outage.
The Components of the Backup System
To understand how Scott's backup system works, let's take a closer look at its components:
1. Ecoflow Delta Pro Units
The backbone of Scott's whole home backup system is the Ecoflow Delta Pro units. These powerful units provide a combined capacity of 7.2 kilowatt hours, ensuring ample power supply during outages. Each Delta Pro unit can handle up to 6,600 watts of solar input, making them ideal for harnessing solar energy for backup power.
2. Dual Voltage Hub
Scott's backup system features a dual voltage Hub that generates 240 volts. This hub acts as the connection point for the Delta Pro units and facilitates the seamless transfer of power to the home's electrical system.
3. 30 Amp Generator Inlet
To provide an alternative power source, Scott has integrated a 30 amp generator inlet into his backup system. This enables him to connect a generator to the system if needed, guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply during extended outages.
4. Interlock Kit
To ensure safety and compliance, Scott has installed an interlock kit at his service panel. This interlock kit prevents the backup system from back-feeding power into the electrical grid, protecting utility workers and preventing damage to the system.
5. Service Panel
The backup system is connected to the home's service panel, allowing for the distribution of power to all the circuits in the house. This integration ensures that essential appliances and electronics can continue to operate seamlessly during power outages.
Power Capacity and Usage
Although Scott's backup system provides a significant power capacity, it is essential to consider the energy consumption of the entire home. Scott mentions that even during the winter months when energy usage is at its lowest, he consumes between 20 to 25 kilowatt hours of power. With a total capacity of only 7.2 kilowatt hours, the batteries alone would not be enough to sustain his home for even one day, let alone multiple days.
Solar Charge Input Capability
To address the limited battery capacity, Scott utilizes the solar charge input capability of the Ecoflow Delta Pro units. Each unit can accept around 600 watts of solar input. By harnessing the power of the sun, Scott can supplement the batteries' charge and extend the backup system's runtime.
Testing the Solar Panels
Scott conducts tests using solar panels to gauge the solar input capability of the Delta Pro units. He uses Helium 360-watt panels and connects them in series. After analyzing the input and output power through the Ecoflow app, Scott concludes that the system performs better when the Delta Pro units receive a consistent solar input, allowing for a steady charge.
Power Output Readings
Through thorough monitoring, Scott determines that while the older Delta Pro unit can hold its charge, it does not gain much power despite the solar input. On the other hand, the new Delta Pro unit demonstrates a significant charge gain during testing, exhibiting its potential for sustained operation during extended power outages.
Expanding the Solar Panel Setup
To maximize solar input, Scott attempts to bring four solar panels into a series configuration. However, he encounters a limitation due to the specification of the Ecoflow Delta Pro units. The solar input range of the units only supports up to 150 volts, and with four panels in series, the voltage reaches 160 volts. As a result, Scott can only connect three panels in series, which provides a more substantial 700 watts of solar input.
Selecting the Right Hardware for Maximum Solar Input Capability
Scott highlights the importance of carefully selecting the solar panels to achieve the full 1,600 watts capability of the Delta Pro units. The voltage and amperage specifications of the panels need to align with the units' requirements. Scott also notes the maximum amperage of 15 amps for the Delta Pro units' solar input.
Close-to-Multi-Day Whole House Backup System
Despite the limitations, Scott's overall backup system brings him closer to a multi-day whole house backup capability. By utilizing the two Delta Pro units and incorporating solar charging during the daytime, he significantly extends the runtime of the system. With careful hardware selection and further optimization, Scott aims to achieve a fully sustainable backup system for his home.
Additional Solar Projects
Scott briefly mentions that he is also working on other solar projects, such as a DIY solar pergola and roof-mounted solar. These endeavors provide him with additional energy options and add to the overall sustainability of his household.
Getting Help with Solar Installation
Scott emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when it comes to solar installation. He directs viewers to a website where they can fill in their information and connect with solar consultants who can assist them in designing the right system for their homes. Additionally, trusted installers are available to ensure a seamless installation process.
Understanding Net Metering
In one of his previous videos, Scott's consultants explain the concept of net metering and why it is crucial to consider when sizing a solar system for a home. Interested individuals can access this resource to gain a better understanding of how net metering can impact their solar installations.
In conclusion, Scott's whole home backup system demonstrates the integration of solar power and battery backup to provide continuous electricity during outages. With ongoing improvements and careful hardware selection, a fully sustainable multi-day backup system becomes an achievable goal.
Highlights:
- The Ecoflow Delta Pro units are the core components of the whole home backup system.
- Solar charge input capability extends the runtime of the backup system.
- Testing the solar panels helps determine the optimal solar input for the Delta Pro units.
- Selecting the right hardware is crucial for maximizing solar input capability.
- The backup system brings Scott closer to a multi-day whole house backup capability.
- Getting professional help ensures a smooth solar installation process.
- Understanding net metering is essential when sizing a solar system for a home.
FAQ:
Q: How many kilowatt hours of capacity does Scott's backup system have?
A: Scott's backup system has a capacity of 7.2 kilowatt hours.
Q: Can the batteries alone sustain Scott's home during power outages?
A: No, the batteries alone are not enough to sustain Scott's home for even one day.
Q: How does Scott extend the backup system's runtime?
A: Scott utilizes the solar charge input capability of the Ecoflow Delta Pro units to supplement the batteries' charge.
Q: How many solar panels can Scott connect to the Delta Pro units?
A: Scott can connect up to three solar panels in series to the Delta Pro units.
Q: What does Scott recommend for maximizing solar input capability?
A: Scott recommends carefully selecting the solar panels to ensure they align with the voltage and amperage specifications of the Delta Pro units.
Saas Video Reviews
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE SaasVideoReviews
